Author: Ahmed Essam

How to avoid burnout at work?

Posted on by Ahmed Essam

MORNINGS FEEL HEAVIER THAN THEY USED TO.

You used to wake up ready to take on the day (or at least mildly okay with it),
but now even the thought of logging in or walking into the office feels like a
chore. You’re counting down to the weekend… on a Monday.

Get Clear on What’s Burning You Out

Not all “hard work” is created equal. Is it…
Too many hours?
Lack of appreciation?
Constant interruptions?
Doing tasks you secretly hate?
If you can name the problem, you can start finding ways around it—or at least make
peace with parts of it.

📌 Set Boundaries Like You Mean It
Stop answering emails at 10pm. (The world won’t end)
Block off real focus time on your calendar—even 30 minutes helps.
Say “no” when your plate’s full. It’s not rude; it’s survival

SMALL TASKS FEEL LIKE CLIMBING EVEREST

What used to take you half an hour now feels like a massive undertaking. You keep putting things off, not because you’re lazy—but because your brain just isn’t having it.

💡Learn to Work Harder… The Smart Way


Batch tasks. Multitasking is a scam.
Use tools that help you—not slow you down.
Take breaks. Even Olympic athletes rest between rounds.

YOU DON’T CARE LIKE YOU USED TO.

That sense of pride or ownership? Fading. Whether a project succeeds
or flops, you just don’t care. The spark you once had is fading away, and
that’s not “just part of growing up”—that’s exhaustion talking.

Don’t Do It Alone
Talk to someone. A friend, a mentor, a colleague. Or even your manager if you
trust them. Burnout gets worse in silence.
Hard work doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence. It just means showing up
even when it’s not easy—but doing it in a way that protects your peace.

YOU’RE ALWAYS “ON,” EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OFF.


Even when you’re not working, you’re thinking about work. Your mind keeps replaying convos, tasks, deadlines… and somehow, even on your day off, you feel guilty for not doing “enough.” Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s about the psychic toll of feeling like you can never catch up — no matter how hard you try

📚 Anne’s book is a cultural deep dive into how burnout isn’t just personal
” Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s about the psychic toll of feeling like you can never catch up — no matter how hard you try”

BURNOUT VS. LAZINESS: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Because there’s a huge difference between being lazy and
being burnt out — and mistaking one for the other just adds
guilt to the mix.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

😴 Laziness feels like:

You have the energy, but you don’t feel like doing something.

You avoid effort, even for things you care about. Likewise, you’re choosing comfort over challenge — not because you can’t, but because you don’t want to.

It’s usually temporary and often tied to motivation.

🔥 Burnout feels like:

You want to care, but there’s just nothing left in your energy.

Even small tasks feel overwhelming.

You’re exhausted mentally, emotionally, sometimes even physically.

You’re not avoiding effort because you’re lazy —you’re avoiding it

How to Train Your Brain to Enjoy Doing Hard Things at Work

Posted on by Ahmed Essam

Introduction

We all have those tasks at work that feel overwhelming—whether it’s attempting to begin a big project, dealing with a tough client, or just staying focused when motivation is running low. The solution? Getting your brain to actually enjoy doing hard things. Here’s how:

. Trick Your Brain with Rewards

  • Your brain loves quick dopamine hits—checking social media, grabbing a snack, or procrastinating.
  • Instead of giving in, use those rewards as a tool:
    • Want to scroll Instagram? Only after finishing your hardest task.
    • Want coffee? Only after you complete that report.
  • Over time, your brain starts seeing effort as the trigger for the reward, making work feel more satisfying.

Become the Kind of Person Who…

Stop thinking, “Ugh, I have to do this.” Instead, shift your mindset to “I’m the type of person who does this.”

Examples:

  • “I have to write this report” → “I’m the kind of person who delivers great reports effortlessly.”
  • “I need to send emails” → “I’m the kind of person who communicates clearly and effectively.”

The more you think this way, the more automatic these actions become. You’re not forcing yourself—you’re just being you.

 

3. Make It So Easy You Can’t Say No

The hardest thing in any task? To start.

Instead of saying, “I need to finish this 10-page report,” say, “I’ll just write the first sentence.”

Instead of “I need to reply to all my emails,” say, “I’ll just answer one.”

Reduce the barrier to entry so much that your brain does not have an excuse not to start. Momentum takes over once you do.

 

4. Discomfort Is a Muscle Train It

The more you do uncomfortable things, the easier they get.

Challenge yourself daily:

  • Volunteer for that tough project.
  • Speak up in meetings, even when it’s uncomfortable.
  • Push through a boring or difficult task instead of avoiding it.

It’s the battle between you vs you sometime you will win and sometime you will lose,
Over time, what used to feel hard will feel normal. That’s how you level up.

  1. Set Up Your Environment for Success

Willpower is overrated. Set yourself up, so the easiest choice is the right one:

  • Put your phone in another room while working.
  • Keep a to-do list visible so you always know what’s next.
  • Schedule focus time on your calendar so no one interrupts.

The fewer decisions you have to make, the less energy you waste. Make productivity the default.

 

6. Push Yourself with the ‘One More’ Rule

When you feel like stopping, do just one more:

  • One more email.
  • One more slide in your presentation.
  • One more minute of focus before taking a break.

This tiny push past your limits helps you build mental endurance without overwhelming yourself.

  1. Don’t Think About the Struggle, Think About the Finish Line

Your brain dislikes effort, but loves outcome.

Instead of thinking about how hard something is, think about how great you’ll feel when it’s done.

“Ugh, I don’t want to work late” → “Think about how good it’ll feel to be done with this project and wow my boss.”

“This task is so boring” → “As soon as I get it done, I won’t have to think about it again.”

Visualization is a powerful tool—use it to reframe effort as something that’s worthwhile.

 

  1. Show Up, Even When It’s Not Perfect

You don’t need to be 100% every day—you simply need to show up.

If your goal is to stay productive, even small wins count:

A five-minute brainstorm beats doing nothing.

A half-finished draft beats doing nothing.

Sending a few emails beats ignoring your inbox.

The goal is not perfection, it’s consistency. That’s what leads to long-term success.

 

 

Salary Negotiation Guide | Get the Pay You Deserve!

Posted on by Ahmed Essam

INTRODUCTION

Those were the days when people would accept a job for the sake of it. Today, talented professionals expect competitive salaries, career growth, and let’s be real good work vibes. If your package is not at par with the industry, your competitors will attract top talent instead.

Salary negotiations aren’t a boxing fight, They’re essential conversations.

  • Building Trust; Salary negotiations build trust. Open and honest discussions show candidates you value their worth,
  • It keeps people happy. Nobody wants to start a job feeling undervalued
  • It makes you competitive. If a candidate has multiple offers, a good negotiation can be the deciding factor.

MENA Salary guide

Before you jump into salary negotiations, take a step back to evaluate the full offer. A job offer is more than just a paycheck — it includes benefits, career growth, and long-term security. Here’s how to evaluate it:

✅ Salary vs. Market Rate: Research the industry salary range for your role in your region or remote market. Use resources like Pay Scale or local salary surveys.

✅ Career & Growth Opportunities: Does the company invest in training, mentorship, or advancement? If the job offers accelerated career growth, it may be worth accepting a slightly lower salary.

✅ Work-Life: Flexible hours, remote work options, and a positive work culture are important factors to consider. A high salary isn’t worth it if it leads to burnout.

✅ Company Reputation & Values: Research the company’s culture, leadership, and values. Do they align with yours? Check employee reviews and LinkedIn to get a sense of the company’s environment.

Once You’ve Evaluated the Offer, It’s Time to Negotiate!

When negotiating, always back your request with solid evidence to show your value:

  • Highlight your achievements and experience with specific examples.
  • IF salary is non-negotiable, explore perks like professional development, flexible hours, or performance-based bonuses.

Remember: Negotiation isn’t just about salary — it’s about getting a deal that supports your career and personal goals.

 

How to bridge the Market Gap & Secure What You Deserve

Let’s be honest, many professionals are paid below industry standards due to lack of salary transparency, weak negotiation skills, or limited access to high-paying opportunities. Women, in particular, still earn less than men for the same roles due to biases in hiring, promotions, and salary negotiations. However, studies show that when women negotiate, they are more likely to close the pay gap. Here are strategies to help:

Tips for Women in Salary Negotiations:

  • Break the Confidence Gap: Research shows that women are less likely to negotiate. Know your worth and be confident in asking for it.
  • Frame Your Achievements: Saying “I managed a project that generated 20% more revenue” is far stronger than simply stating “I have 5 years of experience.”
  • Don’t Undersell Yourself: Accepting too little now can lead to regret later.
  • Stay Professional: Confidence is key, but avoid coming across as arrogant
  • Negotiation is a Conversation, not a battle: Always aim for a win-win situation where both you and the employer walk away happy.

Why Remote work is a game changer?

Remote work is reshaping salaries in the MENA region. More companies are hiring talent from places like Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and beyond. While this creates more opportunities, it also increases competition.

💡 How Remote Work Affects Your Salary:

  • You can apply for jobs outside your country (hello, international salaries!).
  • Be mindful of differences in living costs when negotiating your salary.
  • Companies may offer perks instead of higher salaries (like flexible hours!).
  • Many remote jobs prioritize results over hours worked. Ensure you showcase your impact!
  • Freelance vs. Full-time? Some remote opportunities pay per project, while others offer long-term stability.